About Home CareHomewatch CareGivers® believes good care should not interfere with
your quality of life. We deliver the compassionate care our clients need
to help complete day-to-day activities while still maintaining a healthy
dose of independence.

Types of CareOur clients have many different reasons for requiring care, so we strive
to provide services tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.
Homewatch CareGivers delivers various types of in-home care that focus
on the whole person—not just their condition.

Our StoryHomewatch CareGivers was founded on the concept of person-directed care:
focusing on the specific needs of the individual and treating each client
as a whole person, not just a condition. We strive to provide in-home
care services that allow people to continue living safely and happily
in their own homes.

Why Choose Us?Let our family care for yours. At Homewatch CareGivers, we value not only
highly qualified caregiving services but also human interactions and relationships.
Our people make the difference.

Dealing with Rummaging, Pillaging & Hoarding

Our Caregiving Services May Be the Perfect Solution

Rummaging, pillaging and hoarding are all common behavioral problems associated
with dementia, and can range from strange to embarrassing to dangerous.
By reacting appropriately and providing a structured environment, you
can keep your belongings and your loved ones safe.

Individuals living with dementia rummage, pillage and hoard objects for
a number of reasons. They may be attempting to cope with memory loss by
carefully storing things that they perceive to be important in the future
or they may simply not remember that they took an object or that it wasn’t
theirs to begin with. These behaviors can help your loved one to feel
a sense security amidst the loss of self by having lots of “things.”

Consider Safety

Whatever the motivation, if your loved one is engaging in any of these
behaviors, it’s important to consider safety or health issues around
the home. Take an inventory and be sure that the clutter isn’t overwhelming,
that it doesn’t increase the likelihood of an injury or fall, and
that there aren’t any health risks as a result (for example, there
are sanitary concerns associated with hoarding trash).

Consider Structure

Providing a structured, predictable environment helps relieve anxiety commonly
known to trigger behavior issues in the memory impaired. Even in the home,
a daily activity structure should be planned to help your family member
better understand and relate to their environment and the belongings in
it, rather than act out impulsively.

Stay Calm

If your loved one is pillaging your personal belongings, hiding important
things, like car keys, or hoarding items, remain calm and don’t
worsen the situation by reacting negatively. Never scold, correct, argue,
or attempt to reason with your loved one. These responses are counterproductive
and hurt relationships. Instead, refocus or use the 5 R’s. Have
compassion and remember that this certainly isn’t what your loved
one thought his retirement or golden years would bring.